Many people might not know this about me, but I like to keep on top of things in the entertainment world. I subscribe to several magazines and watch entertainment shows on TV. I’m not into who wore what, who is sleeping with who, or was caught drunk – again – at an area hot spot. Instead of that gossip (aka “garbage”) about the TV, Movie and Music industries, I am more interested in who has a album coming out or what new movies are being filmed.
I know there is a lot of feuds that spring up among celebrities. Take for example Charlie Sheen vs. the creator of Two and a Half Men, Chuck Lorre. Or Donald Trump vs. Rosie O’Donnel, or Rosie vs. Elizabeth Hasselbeck for that matter. Most of these fueds I pay no mind to. I find them silly. They are all adults. They need to grow up and move on.
In the latest celebrity boxing ring we have Lady Gaga vs. Kelly Osbourne. Out of all the celebrity dramas I have heard about over the years, this one I find to be interesting. This goes a bit deeper then just superficial fluff.
If you are unfamiliar with what is going on, and who said what, let me give you a brief rundown.
In September Kelly filmed an interview with Alan Carr, the host of a show called Chatty Man in the UK. During the interview Kelly came out and said that she thinks that Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) is pregnant. The reason why she came up with this assumption is because she’s noticed that Lady Gaga has been covering up her body a lot lately. She also made a comment about how she used a bag to cover up her midsection and she hasn’t dyed her hair blonde in a while (as you know you can’t dye your hair when you are pregnant). You can find the video of the interview here, http://bit.ly/13p0r8B (fast forward to the 7:20 mark).
I should make note that I think Lady Gaga is weird. Here music is not bad, but her fashion style and antics (like her infamous Egg) really leave me shaking my head. But I get it. She’s trying to stand out in an industry that is already saturated with talent. Sometimes you have to be a bit outlandish to stand out. Case in point, Elton John (whom I LOVE!), David Bowie (ala Ziggy Stardust) and Boy George (circa 1980′). Even though I don’t agree with her fashion options (like her meat dress), I do totally get it.
As a woman, and not a celebrity watcher, I think Kelly stepped out of line ASSUMING that Lady Gaga was pregnant and making comments about her current weight gain. There are these people called PUBLICISTS. Perhaps if she had suspicious she should have called Gaga’s “people” and asked. Or better yet – call Gaga herself and ask.
What is that old saying – Never assume anything because it can make an A$$ out of U and Me.
You would think that Kelly would have some sensitivity when it comes to people gaining weight. After all she has struggled with her weight all her life. I think she looks beautiful and should be proud of her accomplishments. She finally shed the weight and has successfully kept it off. But she should never forget what it’s like to be overweight and the cruel things people say about people who are a bit more “fluffy” then the rest of society. Another words, formerly overweight people should never, ever make fun or snide comments about other people who are dealing with weight issues.
In response to Kelly’s comments, Lady Gaga took to her website and penned an open letter to Kelly.
Dear Kelly,
While I wish you had reached out to me personally, as the head of the Born This Way foundation with my mother Cynthia we would like to respond.
Everyday, through my music and public voice I choose to be positive and work towards a kinder and braver world with our community of followers. I encourage them to ignore criticism, stand up to bullies, know their own value and see that we are all the same and no one person is worth more than another. I know I’m perceived as a wild child, but in reality I am woman that deeply cares for humanity.
I have empathy for you Kelly, but I feel it culturally important to note that you have chosen a less compassionate path. Your work on E! with the Fashion Police is rooted in criticism, judgment, and rating people’s beauty against one another. “Appearance” is the most used reason for bullying in the world. Your show breeds negativity, and over the years has even become comedic in nature. It glorifies you and Joan Rivers pointing in the camera, laughing, and making jokes about artists and celebrities as if we are zoo animals.
What about your body revolution? It used to make me truly sad when I would hear people talk about your weight when you were younger, as I was bullied too. To see you blossoming into a beautiful slender woman who makes fun of others for a living is astounding. Why not help others? Why not defend others who are bullied for their image and share your story?
I am pointing this out not to take a crack at your character, as we’ve met before and you’re lovely. However, I urge you to take responsibility and accountability for the example that you are setting for young people. They look up to you because you are famous, and if you treat others that way on TV, many adolescents at home on twitter assume your actions are acceptable: well if she does it, why can’t I?
I cannot control my fans, and I discourage them from any negativity and violence, because that is wrong and hurtful — and I do feel baldy that your feelings were hurt. However, we can all do our part in the media to set a standard of respect, compassion, and love. I wish for you to be treated with the kindness and respect that everyone deserves. (This part was in reference to her fans making death threats and saying other horrific things about Kelly on Twitter).
While some of my fans have learning to do, most of them share the same values as I, and it’s what bonds us together. And that bond is strong.
Sincerely
Gaga and Cynthia
www.BornThisWayFoundation.orgPS. And to any media or celebrities that happen to find this letter in their path, I hope you, too, consider the power of your voices. Lets work together and make 2013 a year of unity.
I think this was a beautifully written letter, and I like everything that she had to say. In fact hearing her speak about bullies and how we should value ourselves is an important message. I also have to agree with her that the show, Fashion Police, is a joke. Even if all our TV channels disappeared and the Fashion Police was the only thing on TV I would go and read a book or take a walk. They do make fun of people. Just because they think that a celebrity didn’t look good in an outfit doesn’t mean that the celebrity felt that way. Personally I would be devastated if I got dressed up for an event and thought that I looked good only to have others publicly bash me on television and make fun of me, saying that I looked like a lumpy sack of potatoes or something along those lines.
Perhaps Lady GaGa should have arranged to speak with Kelly in person, face to face, rather then write this letter to her for the world to see. I only say this because I think maybe this matter could have been handled much better in private then out in the open for the entire world to see. Even worse – taking this to Twitter and other social networking sites.
What started as an unfounded comment by Kelly has not snowballed into a great big mess – with mud being slung all over the place by people who are putting their nose into this (and SHOULDN’T) and by followers and fans of both ladies. Now Sharon Osbourne and Joan Rivers are putting their “.02 cents” into this, taking it to the media and bashing Gaga. Of course a mother is going to defend her child (Sharon is Kelly’s mom), but if she takes a moment to think about what Kelly said, it might have been a better idea to express her concerns directly with her daughter and not attack Gaga in the media like some kind of rabid dog.
And Joan… well… she just needs to shut that overly augmented mouth of hers and mind her own business. Her 15 minutes of fame was gone many years ago. She’s only butting in to cling on to her rapidly fleeting fame because she’s no longer relevant.
Yes, Lady Gaga has put on some weight. As an overweight person I know how excess weight can really harm your self esteem. I’m sure Lady Gaga doesn’t want to be a bit more chunky then she was, but at the same time, she’s still the same person. She is still a talented singer that is well loved by millions of people around the world. So what if she’s a little more “fluffy” then she used to be. As long as she’s HEALTHY why should it matter. If her health was in jeopardy then that would be a different story.
Kelly was wrong to spread rumors about Gaga being pregnant too. Even if she was pregnant many people feel like it’s bad luck to announce a pregnancy before the 3rd month in fear of a miscarriage. How would Kelly feel if Gaga was pregnant but miscarried? It would be up to Gaga whether or not she wanted to share the news with the world, not Kelly Osbourne.
What should have been dealt with face-to-face is now plastered all over the media, and people are getting involved that shouldn’t be. This is between ONLY Kally and Stefani (Gaga).
What do YOU think? Do you think Kelly was wrong to tell the world she thought Gaga was pregnant just because she’s a little more plump than usual? Do you think Gaga should have made arrangements to speak to Kelly in person rather then pen an open letter? It doesn’t mater if you like or dislike either of them. I referring specifically to this incident.
What are your thoughts about celebrities airing their dirty laundry and feuds on social network sites like Twitter and Facebook? Shouldn’t social media be used for good… not to bring people down?
I always love to hear from my readers. Please feel free to weigh in on this matter and leave a comment.
Kimberly
Lee says
Kim you hit the nail on the head. Thank you for a well written post. You have a teen daughter so I can only imagine the types of things you see on a daily basis, so to teach people character is pretty important.
Lee